Sonja Boerckel

Sonja was born July 26, 1932 in Stuttgart, Germany to Gustav & Gertrud (Lorenze) Dietz. She passed away with her loving husband, Raymond, her son Dennis and the care team of Pacific Senior Living by her side in McMinnville, Oregon on Friday, August 4, 2017. Sonja's childhood was spent in Stuttgart, Germany during World War II. She had lasting memories and often told stories to her children and grandchildren of the times her mother and baby sister went running into the night seeking safety in the nearest air raid shelter. She lost her father, Gustav Dietz, during this time when he didn't return home in the German retreat from Russia. After a fleeting romance with an American soldier, Sonja took the long trek to America, and at the age of 16, married and started her family. They settled in Oregon shortly after she arrived in the states and lived in such places as Forest Grove, Molalla and eventually Lincoln City where she raised her 4 children. Sonja was united in marriage to Ray Boerckel in 1984, and they were married for 33 blissful years. Sonja spent most of her working career at Salishan Lodge in Gleneden Beach, where she was much respected and admired. She retired after 20 years of service, to dedicate her time running a small family business, the Lincoln City Arcade. Together, Sonja and Ray traveled the world, spending many vacations in Europe. She loved to expose her family to their heritage, and often travelled with one of her children or grandchildren back to Germany and across Europe. She took joy in exposing her family to new experiences and destinations, often planning family vacations to Sun River. She never missed a graduation or wedding, even if it meant traveling to Italy. Sonja was known for her green thumb. Her yard was the envy of the neighborhood, and most days you could find her rooting around her garden pulling weeds. If she wasn't in her garden you could usually find her knitting. She took great concern over keeping people warm, and produced an abundance of scarves and hats for friends and family. She also always made sure to make note if you weren't wearing socks. Sadly, Sonja developed Alzheimer's, and after much lovingly cared from her husband of 33 years, she lost her battle. She was dearly loved and respected by many. Her legacy will continue through her family. We will hold her in our hearts and miss the strong woman she was. Left to mourn is Sonja's beloved husband, Raymond and her children, son Dennis and his spouse Candy, her daughter Heidi Cohen, her son Bert Woodward and his spouse Teresa. Raymond's children, daughter Kimberly DeSau and her spouse David, daughter Deborah Hitchcock. Her sister Ursula Piccolin and her spouse Adriano along with thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren and many other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her son Terry Woodward, Raymond's sons, Paul Boerckel and Mike Kimsey. A Funeral service will be held in her honor at Congregational Church in Lincoln City, Oregon August 14, 2017 at 1:00pm. Her committal service will be held the next day August 15, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

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Sonja Boerckel

July 26, 1932 - August 4, 2017